Assault Incident Outside Baltimore Abortion Facility
On May 26, 2023, two pro-life advocates, Mark Crosby, who was 73 at the time, and Dick Schafer, who was 84, gathered outside a Planned Parenthood facility in Baltimore. They held prayer sessions, displayed signs supporting life, and offered pro-life literature to individuals entering the facility, as reported by a local news source.
While outside the abortion clinic, a confrontation occurred between Schafer and a man named Patrick Blythe, who was reportedly discussing abortion with Schafer. Witnesses described the scene as shocking.
Blythe, a man described as significantly larger, was seen on surveillance footage interacting with Schafer before he suddenly attacked. The interactions escalated, leading to Blythe knocking the 73-year-old Crosby down onto the sidewalk.
As the incident progressed, instead of walking away, Blythe continued his attack, first hitting Crosby in the head and subsequently kicking him in the face. The situation drew significant attention, catching the eyes of bystanders and law enforcement alike.
Crosby later revealed the extent of his injuries. He suffered a broken plate bone in his cheek and experienced severe complications with his eye, which left him blind in that eye for nine days. It also required a stay at a local trauma center.
Eventually, authorities identified Blythe and arrested him on July 1, 2024. He faced charges including first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and assault against elderly individuals. However, he was released on his own recognizance.
In early February 2025, Blythe’s trial commenced at Baltimore Circuit Court. During the proceedings, Blythe invoked his Fifth Amendment rights and declined to testify. His attorney claimed that his client had no intention of inflicting serious injuries and attempted to downplay the aggressive nature of the assault. The defense even labeled the victims as “old white men,” suggesting a derogatory perspective.
Crosby’s account of the attack was presented in court, along with footage that depicted the brutal nature of the altercation. The prosecution characterized Blythe’s actions as reckless and unprovoked, yet the jury could not reach a unanimous decision regarding the more severe charges against Blythe.
Trial Outcomes
The jury eventually found Blythe guilty of lesser charges related to the assault but acquitted him on a critical first-degree charge against Schafer. A retrial for the first-degree assault charge against Crosby was scheduled.
Crosby’s legal team emphasized the severe repercussions of the assault on his health, mentioning that he may require further medical intervention due to his ongoing complications. A retrial for Blythe’s more serious charges was also in the works as lawyers were aiming to achieve a conviction that would carry a meaningful sentence.
As the case progressed, Crosby, reflecting on the attack, expressed his determination to seek justice, stating that the implications of the violence he faced were significant, both personally and within the pro-life community.
Final Remarks
The Baltimore Circuit Judge who oversaw Blythe’s initial trial concluded the proceedings without a jury, leading to confusion and disappointment among those involved. Some expressed frustration over the judicial interpretation of evidence and the treatment of Crosby’s testimony.
Crosby remained hopeful for a more favorable outcome in future trials, suggesting that the community’s reaction may influence how such incidents are handled moving forward. In his final comments, he conveyed his resolve to continue advocating for his beliefs despite the violence experienced.
